What is the approximate translation into English of "Haferlschuh" and what are the shoe's defining characteristics?

There are two typical characteristics of the Haferl-Schuh:

The raised and overhanging toe part, called: "˜Schiffchen' (little boat) and the raised heel.
The shoe was designed for mountain-walking (not climbing), for example driving your cow herd
to high-lying pastures. The toe was to prevent the foot becoming wedged while going downhill,
while the raised heel gave support while going uphill.

The shoe became fashionable in the 1920s/30s. That's when English tourists coined
the name: 'Haferl' comes from the English 'half shoe' (as opposed to boots).
There is a pair of Haferl-shoes in the Offenburg Shoe-Museum,
which was made for Marlene Dietrich while holidaying in the Salzburg region.

Of course, what was once a utility shoe for mountain farmers and hunters
has these days, become an accessory for beer festivals.

The raised and overhanging toe part, called: "˜Schiffchen' (little boat) and the raised heel.
The shoe was designed for mountain-walking (not climbing), for example driving your cow herd
to high-lying pastures. The toe was to prevent the foot becoming wedged while going downhill,
while the raised heel gave support while going uphill.

The shoe became fashionable in the 1920s/30s. That's when English tourists coined
the name: 'Haferl' comes from the English 'half shoe' (as opposed to boots).
There is a pair of Haferl-shoes in the Offenburg Shoe-Museum,
which was made for Marlene Dietrich while holidaying in the Salzburg region.

Of course, what was once a utility shoe for mountain farmers and hunters
has these days, become an accessory for beer festivals.

Thank you. The first example you posted is actually quite beautiful. I question whether anyone purchasing a pair today for its original purpose would still get a leather sole. Were the original ones hobnailed? What would be used today for a working pair?

The first example you posted is actually quite beautiful. Were the original ones hobnailed?

I agree, that pair is really beautiful.

I try to remember those Marlene Dietrich shoes in the museum. I think you're right, they were hobnailed.

That reminds me of a story: After the last war, my grandmother thought there would be another war soon and she needed a good pair of solid shoes. So, some local cobbler made for her the heaviest shoes mankind could think of, hobnailed, triple stitched, the works.

As we know, there was no war and the shoes were never worn in anger. They weren't worn at all. Period. But she never threw them away and those shoe were with her, "˜til she died. As children, when visiting our grandmother, it gave my sister and me the greatest pleasure to play with the "˜war-shoes'.

They do not make shoes like that anymore!

Another thing that was wonderful to play with: our grandfather's collapsible top hat (chapeau claque). Such a beautiful: Whooosh!!!

I question whether anyone purchasing a pair today for its original purpose would still get a leather sole. Were the original ones hobnailed?

@dopey
What would be used today for a working pair?

Vibram

The Italian Vitale Bramani survived a severe accident in the mountains in 1935 in which six of his companions died. Back then it was common to walk up to the beginning of the face of the mountain with heavy, nailed shoes, where the shoes would be exchanged for the ones used during the actual climbing. The shoes for climbing were lightweight ones featuring a wound sole made from hemp and a thin linen or leather shaft. These thin climbing shoes, however, were the group's doom when a thunderstorm emerged. Having gone through this cruel experience, Vitale Bramani went about developing a slip-proof and flexible sole for mountaineers made from natural rubber. He simply copied the pattern of the pitched nails common at the time in rubber and together with the tyre manufacturer Pirelli developed the first sole shapes. He named his company VIBRAMÂ® and this first sole was given the name Roccia, which is still the name we use for our shoes today.

dopey et all
I missed this tread but here is a late thank you for the kind words!

dopey
You got it right, I made the last and Pelle Kraft made the rest of the shoes and James Doobridge made the trees.
The leather is reversed waxed calf. JP Myhre in Oslo imported the skin from Austria and treat it with a special dressing and tallow. I am really glad to co-operate with these and other craftsmen, a life time is to short to know all about shoe and boot making.

I like this leather very much because it has character. Not that only, it is a soft and durable leather which will hold up for a long time of wear. In England they polish this kind of leather and make it glossy. The Queens Household regiment got it on their boots and they are like mirrors! However, I like it better the way your looks.